How to Calculate Horizontal Running Total in Excel (3 Easy Ways)

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A running total is the total of a series of numbers that updates each time a new number is added to the sequence. It can be calculated by summing up a number with all the previous numbers in the series. In this article, you will learn 3 different methods to calculate the horizontal running total in Excel with each. In the figure below, I have presented an overview image of the Horizontal Running Total.

horizontal running total in excel


Download Practice Workbook

You are recommended to download the Excel file and practice along with it.


What is a Running Total

A running total, also known as cumulative total, is the summation of a sequence of numbers which is updated each time a new number is added to the sequence, by adding the value of the new number to the previous running total.


The SUM Function: an Overview

The SUM function is used to add up values altogether. You can use the SUM function, to sum up, distinct values, cell references, ranges, or a mix of all three.

Syntax

SUM(number1,[number2],…)

Arguments

  • number1: The first number is required. You can insert general numbers such as 5,7, etc, or cell references like C9, H12, or a cell range like B3:B8.
  • number2-255: This field is optional. You can add up to 255 numbers in this field.

3 Ways to Calculate Horizontal Running Total in Excel

We will be using a Sample COVID-19 Weekly Death Toll as a dataset to demonstrate all 3 methods in this tutorial.

Dataset to Calculate Horizontal Running Total in Excel

So, without having any further discussion let’s get into all the methods one by one.


1. Create Horizontal Running Total in Excel Using Basic Addition

We can calculate the horizontal running total in Excel using the basic addition of cell addresses. To learn this method follow the steps below:

🔗 Steps:

The first element of the running total is the death number on the first day of that week. So,

❶ First, select cell C6  and type the following formula within the cell.

=C5

❷ Then press the ENTER button. As a result, you will get the value of C5 in C6.

Writting equation in cell C6

❸ After that select cell D6 and type the following formula.

=C6+D5

❹ Then press the ENTER button again. As a result, you will get the sum of death for both Sunday and Monday.

Writting equation in cell D6

❺ Now all you need to do is drag the Fill Handle icon to the end of the Total row.

Using Fill Handle to get the horizontal running total in excel

That’s it.

📓 Note:

If you feel curious to see all the underlying formulas within the cells then press CTRL + ` keys together. You will see all the formulas as follows afterward:

All the formula used in calculating running addition in Excel

Read More: How to Calculate Running Total in One Cell in Excel (5 Ways)


2. Use of SUM Function to Calculate the Horizontal Running Total in Excel

In this section, we will try to avoid the basic addition method. Still, we will apply the same concept but instead of using the plus (+) operator in between cell addresses, we will use the SUM function. Now follow the steps below to get the whole procedure with ease.

🔗 Steps:

❶ First of all, select cell C6.

❷ Then type the following formula.

=SUM(C5)

❸ Now, press the ENTER button. As a result, you will get the value of C5.

Use of SUM Function in cell C6

❹ After that, select cell D6 and type the following formula within the cell.

=SUM(C6,D5)

❺ Then press the ENTER button.

Use of SUM Function to Calculate the Horizontal Running Total in Excel

❻  Now drag the Fill Handle icon to the end of the Total row.

Applying Fill Handle to Use SUM Function to Calculate the Horizontal Running Total in Excel

That’s it.

📓 Note:

If you feel curious to see all the underlying formulas within the cells then press CTRL + ` keys together. You will see all the formulas as follows afterward:

all the formulas in Use of SUM Function to Calculate the Horizontal Running Total in Excel

Read More: Quick Analysis Tool: Calculation of Running Total in Excel (4 Ways)


3. Creating Horizontal Running Total by Using Mixed Cell Reference in Excel

Now, we will discuss the most robust method to create a horizontal running total in Excel using a combination of both the mixed cell reference and relative cell reference. The function we will use in this method is SUM. Now go through the steps below:

🔗 Steps:

❶ First of all, select cell C6 to store the formula result.

❷ After that, type

=SUM($C$5:C5)
within the cell.

❸ Then press the ENTER button.

Writting SUM function with Absolute Cell Reference in cell C5.

❹ Finally, drag the Fill Handle icon to the end of the Total row.

Use of Fill Handle for Creating Horizontal Running Total by Using Mixed Cell Reference in Excel

That’s it.

📓 Note:

If you feel curious to see all the underlying formulas within the cells then press CTRL + ` keys together. You will see all the formulas as follows afterward:

All formulas used in calculation

Read More: How to Calculate Running Total in Excel (9 Ways)


Bonus Method: Calculate Vertical Running Total in Excel Using the SUM Function

We can apply the same formula to calculate the vertical running total in Excel. This time we will be using the same formula with the SUM function in this method as in the previous method. Now go through the steps to get it in detail.

🔗 Steps:

❶ First of all, select cell D5  to store the formula result.

❷ After that, type

=SUM($C$5:C5)
within the cell.

❸ Then press the ENTER button.

Use of Sum function to calculate vertical running total

❹ Finally, drag the Fill Handle icon to the end of the Total column.

Calculate Vertical Running Total in Excel Using the SUM Function

That’s it.

Read More: Cumulative Sum in Excel If Condition Applied (6 Methods)


Things to Remember

📌 You can use CTRL + ` keys to see the cell formulas.

📌 Be careful about the syntax of the function.

📌 Select the cell address range to sum attentively.


Conclusion

To wrap up, we have illustrated 3 different methods overall, to calculate the horizontal running total in Excel. Additionally, we have added an extra method to calculate the vertical cumulative total in Excel. However, you are recommended to download the practice workbook attached along with this article and practice all the methods with that. And don’t hesitate to ask any questions in the comment section below. Surely we will try to respond to all the relevant queries asap.


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Mrinmoy Roy

Mrinmoy Roy

Hi! I'm Mrinmoy Roy. I'm an Excel and VBA content developer. I write blogs relating to Microsoft Excel on Exceldemy.com. I've completed my graduation in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Khulna University of Engineering & Technology. I've expertise in Excel functions, formulas, Pivot Table, Power Query, Visual Basic, etc. I write blogs to lessen people's hassles while working on Microsoft Excel.

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